Marine NSW is constantly upgrading it seems, and Brunswick Heads is the latest coastal destination to benefit, with a brand new rescue vessel, boosting their emergency capability nicely. Congratulations Brunswick Heads!

It's a pity there isn't more coverage in the Indian Ocean, with an overdue sailor now declared as missing and a call out for anyone who sights trace of him or his boat. Perth sailors, in particular, please look out for a ketch with red sails called 'Spirit of Rema'.

The quirkiest story of the week is of the British sailor who has set out to sail the Atlantic four times, and on all four occasions he not has only had to be rescued, but had to abandon the boat he was sailing. The latest rescue – and abandoned boat – was this week. Never mind, he wrote a book about his adventures after the third mishap, so maybe sales will go up with the latest misadventure.

Over in the West the boats in the Fremantle to Bali Rally, which also has a race component, are spread out up the coastline, with the hotshots already arrived, and the rest of the boats enjoying a more leisurely journey along the spectacular coastline.

Boat Book's Doug Cuming this week reviews a new book out by sailing author Sandra Clayton – 'A Thousand Miles from Anywhere' should be a good read for anyone who must take their amazing sailing adventures vicariously. There are Boat Book stores in both Sydney and Melbourne, or you can purchase online.

'A Thousand Miles from Anywhere' .. .

Read about the tribute to a disabled British sailor who has sailed around the Isle of Wight, or the deaf sailor who has just circumnavigated the world solo; AMVER has come to the rescue yet again and saved four sailors' lives; some great hints about cleaning your boat from Shurhold; and there's an important recall notice for owners of Osculati filters – take notice and check the brand on your boat.

It's getting chillier and chillier on the water, but there are many of us brave souls still out there and loving it.

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